Winter 2014 and Spring 2014 quarters
- Faculty
- Michael Paros veterinary medicine
- Fields of Study
- anthropology, biology, philosophy of science, physiology, psychology and zoology
- Preparatory for studies or careers in
- biology, neuroscience, anthropology, animal welfare and veterinary medicine.
- Description
-
Why do humans keep pets and at the same time raise animals for food? What are the psychological and moral complexities that characterize our relationships with animals? What is the impact of human–animal interactions on the health and well-being of people and animals? How do we assess the relative welfare of animals under a variety of circumstances? Anthrozoology is the interdisciplinary study of human (anthro) and animal (zoo) interaction. This topic of inquiry will be used to study general biology, zoology, anthropology and philosophy. Through field trips, guest speakers, reading, writing and discussion, students will become familiar with the multiple and often paradoxical ways we relate to companion animals, animals for sport, zoo animals, wildlife, research animals and food animals. We will use our collective experiences, along with science-based and value-based approaches, to critically examine the ever-changing role of animals in society.
Winter quarter will focus on the process of animal domestication in different cultures from an evolutionary and historical perspective. Through the formal study of animal ethics, students will also become familiar with different philosophical positions on the use of animals. Physiology and neuroscience will be used to investigate the physical and mental lives of animals while simultaneously exploring domestic animal behavior. In spring, we will continue to explore the biological basis and psychological aspects of the human-animal bond. Students will then study the science of animal welfare and complete a final project in which they will apply their scientific and ethical knowledge to a controversial and contemporary animal welfare question.
Students will be expected to read primary literature in such diverse fields as animal science, ethology, neurobiology, sociobiology, anthropology and philosophy. Student success in this program will depend on commitment to in-depth understanding of complex topics and an ability to combine empirical knowledge and philosophical reflection.
- Campus Location
- Olympia
- Online Learning
- Hybrid Online Learning < 25% Delivered Online
- Books
- Greener Store
- Upper Division Science Credit
- Some upper division science credit will be awarded to students who have taken at least one year of lower division biology and consistently demonstrate advanced understanding of topics covered in the program by performing well on exams, research papers, and seminar discussions.
- Offered During
- Day